Experimental Linguistics talk by Rianne Schippers: 'On the acquisition of category P in Dutch'.

Abstract

Although particles and prepositions are identical in phonological shape, they behave differently in syntax and carry distinct semantic interpretations. The particle in (1a) functions as a secondary predicate and denotes an end-state. The preposition in (1b) combines with a DP to form a PP and denotes a location. The child acquiring the category P will have to acquire these, and other, differences between prepositions and particles. Considering that prepositions and particles are homophonous, the question is what evidence the child uses to make the distinction.

Based on work with Van Kampen, I will show that the child can acquire the difference between prepositions and particles on the basis of syntactic information. This information will however at first be misleading and irrevocably lead the child to believe that preposition stranding in Dutch is free, as it is in English. Contrary to the child’s belief, and unlike English, preposition stranding in adult Dutch is limited: only a small group of so-called r-pronouns can strand a preposition (Van Riemsdijk (1978)).